The Rich Young Ruler- (Inductive Study) Investigation- What/Who is the major theme? This is an example of how Jesus interacted with people, how people interacted with Jesus, and also what Jesus taught about life, wealth, values, etc. Historical records suggest this ‘rich young ruler’ might have been Joseph of Arimathea. Others say it might have been John Mark, the writer of the Gospel of Mark and the translator of Peter and ministry companion of Barnabas and Paul. There is no way of knowing for sure. There are compelling cases for several people. I even heard a great case that it could have been Barnabas who’s name could have actually been Lazarus. (This seems unlikely but interesting.) This vagueness actually makes sense to me. The goal of the Gospel writers naming names would not have been to create an elite crowd but to point to witnesses of Jesus. On one hand, it would have been dangerous to identify these people too specifically because it would have made them a target for detractors. However, on the other side, it adds validity to the claims of the narrative because it is the writers way of saying they do not stand alone on their claims but they can be validated by these other people. Also, the goal is only use them as “tools” to point to Jesus. My opinion- I lean toward this guy being someone of status. Jesus interacted with people all the time. Therefore, for this one to stick out in their minds, this was either someone extremely well known and therefore stuck in their minds or someone who had become well known because of what he did next. (Possibly eventually giving everything away and then following Jesus.) Quick list of who has been suggested in order of what I think is likely- \- no one named in the Bible… the point is not giving the man a code name but the message Jesus gave him. \- Joseph of Arimathea \- John Mark \- Barnabas \- Lazarus \- Saul/Paul How is it presented? It is presented as a fact of historical record and is recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. What else? Rich- Because this is listed as an attribute he would have been extremely wealthy. Enough to place in a higher social strata than the average reader/listener. Young- This Greek term was used for people between 20s and 40s. Ruler- Leader/Official. We do not know if this is due to wealth, influence, family, etc. Interpretation- What does the passage mean to the original listener or reader? To the original listener, they would have come away amazed by the following ideas: \- Jesus lack of catering to the elite. The Gospel was the Gospel no matter whom you were. \- Jesus indicates that gaining wealth and prestige is not the goal in life. \- Salvation cannot be bought or earned. It can only be received. \- Goodness is not enough. The price of walking with Jesus will cost you something you cannot part with. That’s why grace is such a precious gift. He pays the price you cannot so you can receive what you cannot earn. \- Wonder if some of the more shrewd disciples saw this as a lost opportunity. If Jesus had of given this man a more favorable answer, He could have benefited greatly from his resources. However, Jesus did not think this way. He saw the man’s heart, not His pocket. What does the passage mean to me personally? Jesus is more concerned with who you become than what you have. Preaching/Leading- The Gospel is the Gospel. The most loving thing I can do is tell the truth in love. Jesus did not say this to hurt this man. He did it to help him. The text says Jesus looked at him and loved him. I don’t lead people with a slant toward how they can help me. I lead them with a slant toward how to connect them with the freedom and the way of life only found in Jesus.  Application- How can I make the passage meaningful to  others? Loving Jesus requires us to follow Him with everything. Is there anything standing between you and living for Jesus? If so, that is the greatest hindrance to your lasting joy. Jesus is not even necessarily telling you to do it. He’s simply asking if you are willing. Just like with Abraham. Abraham and the rich young ruler were asked to give back something extremely precious to them. One was willing and the other was not. I wonder if the man had of been willing, if Jesus would have stopped him before he did just like the angel did with Abraham.